I'm learning the very basics of Python in a college course. I can't take a GML course. I have very little knowledge of both languages. I've been advised here at gamedev.net to program a basic version of the combat mechanics I want to implement. I could probably make a text-only version of the combat mechanics in Python, but not with GML. I'm worried, however, that the game will be far far easier to make in GameMaker than with Python. This is because I eventually want to include graphics.

So my question is, should I go ahead with Python, or teach myself GML?

How much easier would it be with gamemaker?

It will probably be easier in GameMaker(with GML), but it isn't all about the language. You are comparing two very different things. With GML, you use Gamemaker, and that's it. Python is more open in the sense that it is a generic language, not tied to a single IDE or piece of software like GML is. And with GML, you get all that stuff that Gamemaker brings, like resource loading/management. It is a pretty full-on game engine, tile engine, sprite engine, has sound system, particle system, etc... python has "access" to all of these things, or you could roll your own, but with GML, it is all part of the package.

Is there something like Gamemaker that uses Python?

should I go ahead with Python, or teach myself GML?

This isn't really an "or" question. Programmers will learn language after language. Within a few years a budding programmer should be able to count a double-digit number of programming languages they are at least passingly familiar with.

Want to learn GameMaker? That's great, learning GML comes along with that.

Want to do something with Python? That's great, it has many uses, especially for automatic everyday tasks.

Want to do both? Learn both.

The more tools and languages you become familiar with the better off you will be in the long run.

Is there something like Gamemaker that uses Python?

Nothing exactly like it, that I'm aware of. There is PyGame which enables building quite powerful games using Python.

Is there something like Gamemaker that uses Python?

They are like different ways to prepare a hot plate of food.

Using gmake maker style, you start with a big collection of partly prepared ingredients, vegetables have been cleaned and cut, rice and potatoes have been pre-cooked, it comes with a large selection of lovely sauces, etc. Cooking a meal is mostly selecting and mixing the ingredients, where some can be added. Cooking is relatively fast.

In Python style, you start with buying all the ingredients that you need, at the market, almost fresh from the ground. You have to clean and cut everything yourself, you can add or make your own sauce, if you like that. Making a meal is a lot more work with all the selecting, and cleaning and cutting, but you can do it exactly like you want it. If triangular shaped potatoes fits the theme of the meal, you can have them. If you like that rare ingredient from the little shop at the end of the street, use it!

Python starts at a more elementary level, and gives you all the room to do things your way. However, you need to know (or find out) more, and making an application takes somewhat longer. More choices to make means you have to make more decisions.